Wednesday, January 28, 2015

ON THE ROAD, OFF THE PHONE

Texting while driving has become an
epidemic in our city.

The popularity of mobile
devices has dangerous consequences . We now know that mobile communications are
linked to a significant increase in distracted driving, resulting in injuries
and the loss of life.

Distracted driving endangers life and property and
the current levels of injury and loss are unacceptable. I am no texting saint. It
is hard to ignore the beeping of a text message or a Tweet. I want to be engaged
in the conversation. Driving is such a distraction! I have gotten into the
habit of tucking my phone into my work bag and tucking it behind my seat so
that I cannot access it while driving. If it is important, they can call me.
That is hands free (although still a distraction).

According to the CAA folks
engaged in text messaging on a cellular phone are 23 times more likely to be
involved in a crash or near crash event compared with non-distracted drivers.5 seconds is the
minimal amount of attention that a driver who texts takes away from the road.
If traveling at 55 mph, this equals driving the length of a football field
without looking at the road.Texting
makes a crash up to 23 times more likely.

The Royal Newfoundland
Constabulary has been actively reminding motorists of the dangers of
texting and driving. Texting is the number one distraction for drivers

Last week they handed out dozens of tickets to drivers
that were caught texting while behind the wheel. The crackdown did not
appear to have the impact that the police hoped for. Yesterday on the ride home
from work I counted 36 people texting away. 36! I was not looking for them, but
as they passed me or slowed down at intersections, it was hard to miss them.

In instances like this informing and educating the public about the dangers of distracted
drivingis not enough. Government
needs to hit them where it hurts - than they will listen.

We need much harsher fines for texting while driving - for
that matter for putting on make-up or letting your dog go mad on your lap. It is a shame that governments have to resort
to legislation to enforce common sense rules to protect people. Currently,
drivers caught using a hand-held phone or text messaging on nay device face a
maximum fine of $400 and impose a four merit upon a conviction.

Ontario brought in a bill last Fall to assist people break the habit of
texting or talking on a hand-held phone while behind the wheel. The maximum
fine for distracted driving to $1,000 and impose three demerit upon a
conviction.

Next time you are driving and you hear that familiar
ping, fight the urge and enjoying being unplugged for a while. Set rules for yourself and your household
regarding distracted driving.